Authors: Simon Gillard
Year: 2017
Event: 2017 TheMHS Conference
Subject: Reducing Stigma and Discrimination,Lived Experience, Recovery,Suicide Prevention
Type of resource: Conference Presentations and Papers
Abstract: My presentation is an informative session around PTSD education from a lived experience point of view. As a former NSW Police Detective Sergeant who formed PTSD and depression due to work related trauma, my presentation is applicable to all emergency services, military, mental health professionals and the wider community.
I discuss the stages of PTSD and depression and how a sufferer wears a mask, why they wear a mask and how a sufferer compartmentalises trauma. Due to external circumstances, a PTSD sufferer can be forced to mask their condition due to fear of career loss, stigma attached, or fear of retribution.
I will also talk about breaking down the barriers for early intervention to be realised. Resilience training, education along with peer support programs are functional methods to assist in achieving early intervention. What I will discuss in more detail, in the case of emergency services and military, is more of an independent one-on-one quarterly check in program.
I outline the feelings associated with suicide from a lived experience point of view as well as the facts around why suicide seems to be the answer by a sufferer. I will be introducing a suicide prevention resilience model which I developed.
Learning Objectives
Learning Objective 1: I am hoping for attendees to gain a greater understanding of PTSD and depression, as well as educating them on what really goes on in the mind of a person who is suicidal. For those listening to my lecture are able to apply the learnt methods in treating sufferers.
Learning Objective 2: It is important for those treating people with mental health issues to understand from someone living with and surviving through the battle.
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